So today I started my ball joints and did the uppers no problem (replaced uca). Now the bottoms are the issue. I cannot for the life of me get them out. I have tried the bj press from advance and hammering the living hell out of them with no avail. Now the passenger aide ball joint is torn to hell and bent down on the sides so getting it out is going to be considerably harder since there is now a ridge made from the bent metal holding it in. I'm so pissed I can't even stand to look at the truck. What would yall do or what have you done to make the removal of these btches easier? I'm thinking of taking the grinder to it tomorrow and hoping for the best. Ideas?

 

did you try using a torch on the outside part of the LCA where the balljoint is stationed?

 

That idea went through the thing I occasionally refer to as my brain. Im just not sure how much that is going to help. I was thinking more of trying to get the bj so hot I can use my air hammer to bend it in more and then press it through. I'm going to try the grinder first though as I'd have to get the torch from a friend. Tomorrow will result in nothing but complete success or I'm going to go postal.

 

id try the torch before the grinder. it can make a huge difference

 

I do agree heat it up little heat works wonders

 

i sprayed a little lube on it first, but be careful, aluminum heats up quick! also with those ball joint presses, make sure you take your time, make sure everything is straight going in or out, and i have no issues, but the biggest thing is to take your time!

 

The thing is so beat to hell I have given up. Took off the lca and taking it to a buddies body shop to have them do what they do.

 

Yea i changed the ball joints on my buddys 01 f250 and it took me several hours to get the lower one out. Good luck

 

heat it up with a torch and hammer the **** out of it! if all else fails, just replace the thing the ball joint is connected to

 

This was a rookie mistake I did way back in the day but It sounds like your pressing them out the wrong way. I did this on another truck of mine because the balljoints press out the opposite direction as the top.